The executive summary is the most important part of your business plan. It is a one-page overview of your entire plan, and it is the first thing that potential investors or lenders will read. A well-written executive summary can make a big difference in whether or not they decide to move forward with your business plan.
Here are some of the key things that you should include in your business plan’s executive summary:
- Company overview: This should include a brief overview of your company, including its history, products or services, and mission statement.
- Problem or opportunity: What problem or opportunity is your business addressing?
- Solution: How does your business solve the problem or meet the opportunity?
- Target market: Who are you selling to?
- Competitive advantage: What makes your business different from and better than your competitors?
- Business model: How will you make money?
- Financial projections: What are your financial projections for the next three to five years?
In addition to these key elements, you may also want to include the following in your executive summary:
- Investment highlights: If you are seeking funding, you should highlight the key investment highlights of your business, such as your large and growing market, your experienced management team, and your strong financial projections.
- Exit strategy: If you are planning to sell your business within a certain period of time, you should explain your exit strategy in the executive summary.
Here is an example of a well-written executive summary:
Executive Summary
Acme Corporation is a new technology company that is developing a revolutionary new type of battery. Our battery is more powerful and longer-lasting than any other battery on the market, and it is also environmentally friendly. The global battery market is worth over $100 billion, and it is growing rapidly. However, existing batteries are facing a number of challenges, such as limited power and range, and environmental concerns. Our new battery technology addresses all of these challenges. Our target market is businesses and consumers who need powerful and long-lasting batteries. This includes businesses in the electric vehicle, renewable energy, and consumer electronics industries. Our competitive advantage is our proprietary battery technology. Our battery is more powerful, longer-lasting, and more environmentally friendly than any other battery on the market. Our business model is to sell our batteries to businesses and consumers. We will also generate revenue from licensing our battery technology to other companies. We are seeking $10 million in funding to complete the development of our battery and to begin production. We project that we will generate $100 million in revenue in our first year of operation.
Investment Highlights
- Large and growing market: The global battery market is worth over $100 billion, and it is growing rapidly.
- Experienced management team: Our management team has over 20 years of experience in the battery industry.
- Strong financial projections: We project that we will generate $100 million in revenue in our first year of operation.
Exit Strategy
We plan to sell our business within five years. We are targeting a purchase price of $1 billion.
This executive summary is clear, concise, and informative. It includes all of the key elements that potential investors or lenders will be looking for, and it is well-written and persuasive. When writing your executive summary, be sure to keep the following tips in mind:
- Be clear and concise. Your executive summary should be no more than one page long.
- Be specific. Avoid using vague language or making general statements.
- Be honest and realistic. Don’t exaggerate your company’s strengths or downplay its weaknesses.
- Be persuasive. Your executive summary should convince potential investors or lenders that your business is a good investment.
By following these tips, you can write a business plan executive summary that will help you to achieve your business goals.